Presentation

The objective of the class is to develop students’ understanding of the economic specificities of cultural goods, how cultural economics differ from the economics of other goods or services; to show the need for a cultural policy to respect these specificities. Cultural industries are also examined. The main cultural policies will be discussed through: festivals and local economic development; fixed book prices; the taxation of art in Europe; cultural foundations and patronage in France; heritage policy in France; policies for the performing arts (theatre, dance, etc.); public policies for cinema in France; policies of support to contemporary music and the consequences of the development of the Internet; policy for the acquisition of artworks by national museums.

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

There are no prerequisites but good knowledge of culture and a strong interest in this topic are necessary.

Form of assessment

The number of ECTS credits and the assessment methods are likely to be different for students in credit exchange programmes.

Bibliography

• Benhamou F., L’économie de la culture, Repères, La Découverte, 1996.